The helicopter buzzed over my cottage, flying low, the noise so loud that I stopped my work and glanced out the window toward the Atlantic Ocean, the waves, a steady green unwrinkled blanket rolling out to Inishbofin Island, Ireland.
Reminds me of the monument we saw in Homer, Alaska to local mariners lost at sea. There should be something like that in Iowa for victims of farm accidents.
And I suppose in a poor, isolated place like Connemara where no one knew how to swim, who would teach the others? The Amish don’t know how to swim and are amazed that I do. And that I know how to type.
But in Maine, there are multiple ways to learn how to swim and no excuse to go out on the sea, not knowing! Stubbornness. You are right, how can the people of Connemara learn if no one knows how to swim . And I am guessing there are no swimming pools with calm water!
Well, they started driving the Irish school children to a pool in a nearby city. “Swimming lessons begin today,” read the sign on the school door. You’re right. Hard to break tradition. In Buggy Land, it’s farm accidents. The retired doctor started visiting the Amish one-room schools to teach farm safety.
So much loss. Such a powerful witness that the sea is the source of life and death for so many. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Elizabeth. So good to have you as a reader.
Powerful story well told Mary!
Thanks, Bob. I told you there was more coming.
Reminds me of the monument we saw in Homer, Alaska to local mariners lost at sea. There should be something like that in Iowa for victims of farm accidents.
Stay tuned.
It is a moving story extremely well told! Thank you for grabbing and keeping my interest, and reminding me of the power of the ocean!
Thank you, Lisa. Please restack if you can.
Powerful and sad. Beautifully written. Thank you.
Thank you, Liese.
Such a sad story, probably one that has happened many times……doesn’t make it any easier. My prayers for their families
Yes, it’s a way of life in Connemara. Multiple drownings in one family is fairly common. Unfortunately, it has been going on for centuries.
What a way to make a life. Not too different from Maine lobstermen, many who cannot swim. But it is their heritage and they don't give up easily.
And I suppose in a poor, isolated place like Connemara where no one knew how to swim, who would teach the others? The Amish don’t know how to swim and are amazed that I do. And that I know how to type.
But in Maine, there are multiple ways to learn how to swim and no excuse to go out on the sea, not knowing! Stubbornness. You are right, how can the people of Connemara learn if no one knows how to swim . And I am guessing there are no swimming pools with calm water!
Well, they started driving the Irish school children to a pool in a nearby city. “Swimming lessons begin today,” read the sign on the school door. You’re right. Hard to break tradition. In Buggy Land, it’s farm accidents. The retired doctor started visiting the Amish one-room schools to teach farm safety.
Beautiful.
Thanks, Tom!
Dear Mary,
A stunning piece. When was that?
2009.
Lovely.
Wow. Thanks!
Thanks for reading!